Pod Rot

Pod rot Common name Pod rot Black pod disease Causal agent This disease is caused by two pathogens that are fungi-like oomycetes. Scientific name Diplodia theobromae Phytophthora faberi Symptoms & Signs Brown spots appear on the pods that start at the stems or blossom-end of the fruits. The pods also show white sporangia on the outer surface that produce spores and give the characteristic appearance of pod rot. On the bark of infected stems and branches, cankers are visible secreting a reddish ooze. Due to an increase in the number of cankers, the stem may die back. Transmission The spores travel through wind or water to healthy plants and infect the cocoa trees. Time of concern Early spring to late summer Common hosts Cocoa